Romans 15:1-33 CEV

[1] If our faith is strong, we should be patient with the Lord's followers whose faith is weak. We should try to please them instead of ourselves. [2] We should think of their good and try to help them by doing what pleases them. [3] Even Christ did not try to please himself. But as the Scriptures say, "The people who insulted you also insulted me." [4] And the Scriptures were written to teach and encourage us by giving us hope. [5] God is the one who makes us patient and cheerful. I pray that he will help you live at peace with each other, as you follow Christ. [6] Then all of you together will praise God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. [7] Honor God by accepting each other, as Christ has accepted you. [8] I tell you that Christ came as a servant of the Jews to show that God has kept the promises he made to their famous ancestors. Christ also came, [9] so that the Gentiles would praise God for being kind to them. It is just as the Scriptures say, "I will tell the nations about you, and I will sing praises to your name." [10] The Scriptures also say to the Gentiles, "Come and celebrate with God's people." [11] Again the Scriptures say, "Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles. All you nations, come and worship him." [12] Isaiah says, "Someone from David's family will come to power. He will rule the nations, and they will put their hope in him." [13] I pray that God, who gives hope, will bless you with complete happiness and peace because of your faith. And may the power of the Holy Spirit fill you with hope. [14] My friends, I am sure that you are very good and that you have all the knowledge you need to teach each other. [15] But I have spoken to you plainly and have tried to remind you of some things. God was so kind to me! [16] He chose me to be a servant of Christ Jesus for the Gentiles and to do the work of a priest in the service of his good news. God did this so that the Holy Spirit could make the Gentiles into a holy offering, pleasing to him. [17] Because of Christ Jesus, I can take pride in my service for God. [18] In fact, all I will talk about is how Christ let me speak and work, so that the Gentiles would obey him. [19] Indeed, I will tell how Christ worked miracles and wonders by the power of the Holy Spirit. I have preached the good news about him all the way from Jerusalem to Illyricum. [20] But I have always tried to preach where people have never heard about Christ. I am like a builder who doesn't build on anyone else's foundation. [21] It is just as the Scriptures say, "All who haven't been told about him will see him, and those who haven't heard about him will understand." [22] My work has always kept me from coming to see you. [23] Now there is nothing left for me to do in this part of the world, and for years I have wanted to visit you. [24] So I plan to stop off on my way to Spain. Then after a short, but refreshing, visit with you, I hope you will quickly send me on. [25] I am now on my way to Jerusalem to deliver the money that the Lord's followers in Macedonia and Achaia collected for God's needy people. [27] This is something they really wanted to do. But sharing their money with the Jews was also like paying back a debt, because the Jews had already shared their spiritual blessings with the Gentiles. [28] After I have safely delivered this money, I will visit you and then go on to Spain. [29] And when I do arrive in Rome, I know it will be with the full blessings of Christ. [30] My friends, by the power of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the love that comes from the Holy Spirit, I beg you to pray sincerely with me and for me. [31] Pray that God will protect me from the unbelievers in Judea, and that his people in Jerusalem will be pleased with what I am doing. [32] Ask God to let me come to you and have a pleasant and refreshing visit. [33] I pray that God, who gives peace, will be with all of you. Amen.